Fresh Meat: Bob's Burgers

H. Jon Benjamin is everywhere. We cannot get rid of him. Luckily that's a good thing. Benjamin is the voice of yet another lovable character (he also voices the lead on Archer) in this show about a family of five and their quest to dominate the burger world.

You might be wondering why you should watch yet another cartoon family, with an eccentric father and crazy kids. I grew up with the Simpsons and Family Guy, and this show rivals those at their peaks (even though Family Guy had a very short one). What initially sets this show apart from the aforementioned sitcoms is its impressive refusal to follow the same predictable plots that these and other shows have done to death. Bob's Burgers is original, witty, humorous, and most of the time laugh-out-loud funny. There are episodes where not even ten seconds in I am already bursting at the seems.

Benjamin is the voice of Bob, father and owner of Bob's Burgers, who believes without a shadow of a doubt that his burgers are the best in town. His supportive wife, Linda, plays along with his delusions. Her nasal voice (an exaggerated impression by John Roberts) and particularly her laugh make me want to watch this show, like an nonirritating version of Fran Drescher. Bob and Linda have three kids who are each such unique characters. The eldest daughter Tina, is an insecure teenager struggling with changes and her probably numerous disorders. However, since her voice, like Linda's, is clearly a man's, you don't feel guilty about laughing at her. To the other children, she is the butt of most of the jokes, if they aren't directed at Bob.

The middle child, Gene, is an instigator. He likes being loud and heard. When Bob asks the kids a question he is always the first to respond with a smart-ass remark. Best of all is youngest daughter Louise (Kristen Schaal, Flight of the Conchords). Louise is tiny and adorable, but has the thinking of a sarcastic teenage boy. Instantly recognizable by the ridiculous pink bunny-eared hat she wears, Louise loves to mock and encourage those she feels are foolish. Along with Gene, they team-up against Linda and Bob, agitating them during family arguments.

Bottom Line: Fox did a great job filling in the spot left by King of the Hill, though this show is no filler. With its originality, Bob's Burgers should quickly become a cornerstone in the Sunday line up. Even for those of you who aren't fans of animated TV shows, I suggest you give it one more shot.